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ZCTU condemns police brutality
Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)
September 14, 2006

The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) condemns the brutal reaction by government to the ZCTU National protest on 13 September 2006.

226 workers were arrested country wide when government unleashed Anti-riot squad, and the militia (Zanu PF youths) to violently stop workers from carrying out a peaceful demonstration to show government that workers are suffering.

In a move reminiscent of the malevolence of the pre Independence and apartheid era, the government through use of its security agents has become an instigator of violence in a bid to instill fear among Zimbabweans.

In a move showing the state of lawlessness by the State security agents, 16 ZCTU leaders including Lovemore Matombo the President and Wellington Chibebe the Secretary General, were detained at Matapi Police Station holding cells, which were condemned as unfit for human habitation by the Supreme Court.

The police went on to batter the ZCTU leadership at Matapi police station to the extent that we are now fearing for their lives. They are being denied medical attention despite some of them failing to stand, walk, talk, or hear. Some of them are visibly bleeding.

The ZCTU would like to urge workers not to be intimidated by the use of force by government to suppress the feelings of people.

Denying people their constitutionally ingrained rights of freedom of association and expression will only serve to agitate workers more and prepare them for a direct and sustained confrontation with the masters of oppression and exploitation.

Meanwhile the ZCTU General Council is considering what form of action to take in regard to the ZCTU leadership, which was severely tortured at Matapi Police station.

The ZCTU also takes this opportunity to thank workers for their bravery in the face of a brutal regime. That the country is now totally under military rule was evident during the protest. We all pray that one day we will overcome.

ZCTU Information Department

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